“In the twentieth century there will be an
extraordinary nation. It will be a large nation, which will not
prevent it from being free. It will be illustrious, wealthy,
rational, peace-loving, on cordial terms with the rest of humanity
... It will be called Europe in the twentieth century and, in the
centuries that follow, further transformed, it will be called
Humanity.” (Victor
Hugo)

After
nearly half a century the Fondation du Mérite européen’s motto is
still particularly relevant today.

Through this principle it combines in every area – political,
cultural, social and humanistic – the intuition of the founders with
the everyday boldness of the architects of European integration,
thus contributing to strengthening – in the interests of Europe’s
citizens – this bastion of universal values that is Europe.

The Fondation du Mérite européen has always promoted European
awareness by honouring those who are leading our history in the
right direction, the creators of a community of noble destinies.

I congratulate and thank the Fondation du Mérite
européen, which remains true to its European vocation and that
of Luxembourg, to which it is a credit.

Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister, Minister
of State, Honorary President of the Fondation du Mérite européen
(re-elected for a second 5 year mandate from December 2018)

The Fondation is a Luxembourg
non-profit making association whose Président d'Honneur is the Prime
Minister of the Grand Duchy, Monsieur Xavier BETTEL. The President
of the Board of Directors is Monsieur Jacques SANTER, former Prime
Minister of the Grand Duchy, former President of the European
Commission and Ministre d’État. The object of the Fondation is to
recognise the achievements of individuals, or occasionally
organisations, for their outstanding contribution to the advancement
of the European ideal or for particular achievements of a
transnational nature, over and above their strict professional
achievements.

The Fondation has awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze
medals, to nationals of European Union (EU) countries over many
years and recently has added a higher award of The Collier.

Many countries have instituted an Order of Merit to honour their
citizens but the Fondation du Mérite européen is the only recognised Order of Merit on a
Pan-European basis. The rôle of the
Fondation is to be expanded to respond to Europe’s current
challenges by organising and participating in University and other
conferences which promote the European ideal, especially amongst the
younger members of society. The Fondation has recently entered into
a partnership agreement with the Centre Virtuel de la Connaissance
sur l’Europe (CVCE) and has concluded a cooperation agreement with
the University of Luxembourg. The Fondation also works closely with
the European Union institutions, especially the European Commission
in Luxembourg. In 2015, the Fondation created an
Association of Medallists (those who have already been awarded Gold
or Silver medals) in order to involve them and make use of their
talents and expertise further to promote the European ideal.